Parents' Guide to Contact Lenses

One in every four students needs vision correction which may affect learning, personality and adjustment in school, if left untreated. Your child may have already been wearing eye glasses or maybe you are finding out for the first time they need vision correction. If vision correction is needed, contact lenses may be a popular option for your child or teen. The real question is when is the right time to make the switch to contact lenses?

Contact lenses are a medical device which require a prescription … even if they are not for vision correction. During an eye exam, your eye care professional will assess the health of your child's eyes, check for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism and measure their vision precisely. Then, if necessary, determine a prescription for corrective lenses.

Wearing contact lenses may help teenagers feel more confident in their appearance. Contact lenses are also a great option if your child is involved in sports. This guide is designed to help answer your questions about your child wearing contact lenses.

How Do I Know When My Child Is Ready for Contact Lenses?

There’s no “right age” to begin wearing contact lenses — almost anyone of any age can wear them. Studies have shown that children are capable of wearing and caring for lenses. In a study of 484 children, vision-related quality of life benefits were greater for older children, children who participate in recreational activities, children who are motivated to wear contact lenses, and children who do not like their appearance in glasses. But it does involve a level of responsibility and ability to follow a wear-and-care routine. If you feel your child can responsibly care for lenses, then talk to their eye care professional to discuss options.

Vision Correction Options

Contact lenses are designed for specific wearing times. Depending on what’s best for their eyes, your eye care professional may recommend a lens designed for daily replacement, or a lens designed for frequent/planned replacement.

Daily disposable wear contact lenses are discarded after each removal

Frequent/planned replacement contact lenses are cleaned, rinsed and disinfected each time it is removed from the eye and discarded after the recommended wearing period prescribed by the eye care professional.

It’s important for your child to follow the replacement schedule and lens care instructions from their eye care professional – following it will help keep their eyes healthy and comfortable – so be sure they're ready to stick to it.

What’s an Ideal Lens for a First-Time Wearer?

Many eye care professionals recommend daily disposable contact lenses for first-time wearers. Daily disposable lenses are worn once and thrown away. Talk to your eye care professional about what is best for your child's eye care needs; they will determine the best prescription.

Biotrue ONEday contact lenses

Since Biotrue ONEday contact lenses are a daily disposable contact lens, it may help put your mind at ease knowing your child will enjoy the healthy, comfortable convenience of a fresh pair every day. Ask your eye care professional about Biotrue ONEday contact lenses today. Get a free* trial lens certificate >>

*An eye exam may be necessary before receiving your free trial, and the free trial certificate does not include the cost of an eye examination or any other professional fees. Valid in the U.S. and Canada only.